Innovation award triumph

Osbit has won a prestigious industry award at the annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, Awards and Exhibition for designing and manufacturing three bespoke Intervention Tension Frames (ITFs) for Helix Well Ops, a global leader in well intervention activities.

The ITF systems, which stand at over 20m high and weigh around 100t were developed to suit a trio of state of the art new-build vessels. The systems secure a tensile connection between the well riser and the vessel’s handling equipment during well intervention operations, while also facilitating safe access into the riser.

The systems also deliver safe, integrated access and maintenance where none has existed before. Each ITF features three platform access levels, supported by Osbit-supplied BOP Maintenance & Storage Towers and Moveable Decks. The access offered enhances cost-effectiveness, by reducing maintenance-related downtime and streamlining operational changeover. It is also a significant advancement in safe operations, removing the need to use man-riding winches.

Voted for by the members of the offshore industry, the award recognises the achievements of owners of innovative subsea vessels, developers of subsea equipment, or contractors responsible for particularly innovative subsea projects.

Osbit stood out from the shortlist of four companies for delivering a world first in operational flexibility, by facilitating coiled tubing and wireline operations without the need to detach from the well. This technology is expected to significantly improve the revenues generated by its contractor, removing the need for tool changeover and permitting operation in worse weather conditions.